With the 2025 release of Superman, James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially launched the new DC Universe (DCU) on the big screen, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise. This film, part of the James Gunn DCU projects ranking, has garnered strong critical praise and robust box office performance, signaling a promising future for the DC brand following years of setbacks and internal challenges.
James Gunn has quickly become the central creative force within the DCU, bringing his deep fandom and filmmaking expertise from his acclaimed Marvel work to this revitalized franchise. To date, Gunn has led three major DCU projects—two television series and one feature film—all bearing his distinctive blend of humor, energy, and respect for the comic book roots. This assessment ranks these projects based on their quality, consistency, and contribution to the evolving DCU narrative, excluding The Suicide Squad since it is considered outside the official DCU continuity.
Superman (2025): A Hopeful Revival of an Iconic Hero
Reviving Superman was a daunting challenge, tasked with overcoming a decade of disappointments while refreshing a character often seen as outdated or overly simplistic. Despite these difficulties, James Gunn’s Superman delivers a hopeful and entertaining story, demonstrating that the Man of Steel can resonate in today’s cultural context. Although the film has its flaws—such as a cluttered plot serving as both a standalone movie and franchise foundation, and underdeveloped moments between Clark Kent (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan)—it manages to champion Superman’s classic boy scout persona effectively.
The ensemble cast contributes strong performances, though the crowded character lineup sometimes struggles for screen time. Several jokes, especially those reflecting Gunn’s coarser comedic style, don’t always hit their mark. Still, Superman’s sincere tone and spirited execution forgive many of these imperfections, confirming that Clark Kent’s idealism remains compelling and viable in a modern superhero saga. This film lays important groundwork for the DCU’s future, proving that even the most traditional heroes can be reimagined successfully.
Creature Commandos (2025): Combining Supernatural Chaos with Action
As the official DCU debut project, Creature Commandos—a seven-episode animated series—introduces audiences to a black-ops team of monstrous misfits operating under Amanda Waller’s authority. The show features an impressive voice cast including Indira Varma, David Harbour, Sean Gunn, Alan Tudyk, and Frank Grillo, and it effectively showcases James Gunn’s talent for creating quirky, chaotic ensembles reminiscent of his Guardians of the Galaxy work.
The series embraces its kooky premise with a mix of humor and graphic violence balanced carefully to avoid exploitation or cheap thrills. Indira Varma stands out as the Bride, the team’s reluctant leader who hints at a larger role within the DCU. Gunn’s affection for these outcast characters shines through, making their bickering and misadventures engaging and emotionally resonant. Though some jokes occasionally veer into Gunn’s more crude territory, Creature Commandos serves as a promising foundation for future projects by blending R-rated action with sincere character moments.
Peacemaker (2022-Present): Transforming an Overlooked Character into a Fan Favorite
One of James Gunn’s boldest moves was elevating Peacemaker, a minor villain introduced in The Suicide Squad, into a leading figure of the DCU. Initially greeted with skepticism and even derision, the Peacemaker television series defied expectations by delivering a wildly inventive, humorous, and deeply emotional exploration of John Cena’s character. This show stands out as the most successful of Gunn’s DCU projects and exemplifies his full creative control and comfort within this universe.
From its iconic opening scene to its fearless embrace of R-rated content, Peacemaker thrives on its loud, irreverent, and distinct tone. Cena’s performance is energetic and committed, capturing the character’s cocky bravado and vulnerability. The supporting cast, particularly Freddie Stroma as the quirky Vigilante, complements the show’s mix of chaos and heart. Beyond the humor and violence, Peacemaker tackles themes of guilt, loss, and the quest for meaning, giving the series surprising emotional depth.
As James Gunn’s most personal and fully realized DCU project so far, Peacemaker has solidified its place as a key pillar of the franchise. Its continuing story, with a second season scheduled for release later this year, promises to build further on its unique blend of comedy, action, and pathos.
With these projects, James Gunn has demonstrated a remarkable ability to shape the DCU with passion and originality. Peacemaker’s success points to the potential for unconventional characters and bold storytelling to thrive, while Creature Commandos and Superman each contribute important foundations for the universe’s growth. Moving forward, Gunn’s vision seems set to guide the DCU toward a more cohesive and engaging future, recovering the brand’s momentum and appealing to both longtime comic fans and new audiences alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he also describes himself as being “somewhat against religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. Gunn collaborated with Marvel Studios on the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Later, in 2022, he became co-CEO of DC Studios.
Before taking on the co-CEO role, Gunn directed The Suicide Squad (2021) for DC. This was after Marvel dismissed him but later rehired him for Guardians of the Galaxy 3.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu inspired the new CGI-animated version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation. Raised in a Catholic household, Gunn still finds prayer meaningful in his life. However, he has also described himself as being “in some ways, anti-religion.”
